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France bans eating while driving and more

France has banned drivers from eating at the wheel, as part of a crackdown on distracted drivers.

New legislation passed this week will see drivers caught consuming food while driving stung with a £50 on-the-spot fine.

Other prohibited activities include applying makeup, reading a map and listening to 'excessively loud music'

Bluetooth earpieces – a common sight on Britain's commuter routes – have also been banned, and drivers are also not allowed to wear headphones, whether they're in charge of a car, motorbike or bicycle.

Furthermore, French authorities have outlawed smoking in a vehicle in the presence of a child aged 12 or under, as well as in children's play areas, including outdoor ones such as those at motorway service stations.

Notices are to be erected at border crossings and motorway areas to inform motorists of the new restrictions.

This is not the first time France has introduced stringent road safety rules. In 2012 it made it compulsory for drivers to carry an alcohol breath test kit in their car. This is in addition to the warning triangle, hi-visibility vest, spare light bulbs and headlamps converters that foreign drivers are already required to carry.

It is also illegal to use any form of speed camera detector while in France, even if the capability is built into a sat nav device, or part of a mobile phone app. Drivers caught flouting this rule could face a fine of up to £1,000